Medical laboratory work often appeals to people who would like to work in the medical field but who are not necessarily interested in direct care of patients. Those who work in medical laboratories are involved in the analysis of blood, tissue samples, and body fluids. They use precision instruments, equipment, chemicals, and other materials to detect and diagnose diseases. In some instances, such as blood tests, they also gather the specimens to be analyzed.
The work of medical laboratory technologists is done under the direction of a pathologist (a physician who specializes in the causes and nature of disease) or other physician or scientist who specializes in clinical chemistry, microbiology, or other biological sciences.
Medical technologists, who have four years of training, usually perform a wide variety of tests in small laboratories; those in large laboratories usually specialize in a single area such as parasitology, blood banking, or hematology (study of blood cells). Some do research, develop laboratory techniques, or perform supervisory and administrative duties.
Medical laboratory technicians, who have two years of training, have much the same testing duties but do not have the in-depth knowledge of the technologists. Technicians may also specialize in a particular field but are not usually involved in administrative work.
Medical laboratory assistants have about one year of formal training. They assist the technologist and technicians in some routine tests and are generally responsible for the care and sterilization of laboratory equipment, including glassware and instruments, and do some recordkeeping.
Most technologists, technicians, and laboratory assistants work in hospital laboratories. Others work in physicians' offices, independent laboratories, blood banks, public health agencies and clinics, pharmaceutical firms, and research institutions. The federal government employs them in the U.S. Public Health Service, the armed forces, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Work in this field is available in all areas of the country, with the largest concentrations in the larger cities.
Medical laboratory personnel work a 40-hour week with night and weekend shifts if they are employed in a hospital. Laboratories are usually clean and well-lit and contain a variety of testing equipment and materials. Although unpleasant odors are sometimes present, and the work involves the processing of specimens of many kinds of diseased tissue, few hazards exist because of careful attention to safety and sterilization procedures.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
A strong interest in science and the medical field is essential. Manual dexterity, good eyesight, and normal color vision are necessary. One must also show attention to detail, accuracy, the ability to work under pressure, and the desire to take responsibility for one's own work.
High school students interested in this field should take courses in the sciences (including chemistry and biology) and mathematics and should select a training program carefully.
Medical technologists must have a college degree and complete a specialized program in medical technology. This specialized training is offered by hospitals and schools in programs accredited by either the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) in cooperation with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The programs are usually affiliated with a college or university. A few training programs require a bachelor's degree for entry; others require only three years of college and award a bachelor's degree at the completion of the training program. Those who wish to specialize must complete an additional 12 months of study with extensive lab work.
Advanced degrees in this field are offered by many universities and are necessary for anyone interested in teaching, research, or administration.
Technicians may receive training in two-year educational certification programs in junior colleges, in two-year courses at four-year colleges and universities, in vocational and technical schools, or in the armed forces.
Medical laboratory assistants usually receive on-the-job training. Some hospitals-and junior colleges and vocational schools in conjunction with a hospital also conduct one-year training programs, some of which are accredited by the ABHES. A high school diploma or equivalency diploma is necessary.
Medical technologists may be certified by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the American Medical Technologists, the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel, or the Credentialing Commission of the International Society of Clinical Laboratory Technology. These same organizations also certify technicians.
Some states require technologists and technicians to be licensed. This usually takes the form of a written examination. Other states often require registration.
Potential and Advancement
There are about 242,000 persons employed as medical laboratory workers. Medical laboratory technology is a good job opportunity field since, like the entire medical field, it is expected to grow steadily due to population growth and the increase in prepaid medical insurance programs. Job opportunities will probably be slightly better for technicians and assistants, because the increasing use of automated lab equipment will allow them to perform tests that previously required technologists. Technologists will be needed for supervisory and administrative positions, however, and will continue to be in demand in laboratories where their level of training is required by state regulations or employer preference.
Advancement depends on education and experience. Assistants can advance to the position of technician or technologist by completing the required education; technicians can advance to supervisory positions or complete the required education for technologists. Advancement to administrative positions is usually limited to technologists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for medical laboratory technologists is especially good; the field is expected to grow 16% between 2014 and 2024. This will lead to increased demand and greater opportunities for people trained in this field.
Income
Salaries in this field vary depending on employer and geographic location; the highest salaries are paid in the larger cities where the demand for technologists and the cost of living necessitate higher pay.
As of 2015, medical laboratory technologists earned, on average, about $51,000 per year.
Additional Sources of Information
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools Oak Manor Office 29089 U.S. 20 West Elkhart, IN 46514
American Medical Technologists , Park Ridge, IL 60068
American Society of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry, Chicago, IL 60612
American Society for Medical Technology Washington, DC 20036
International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology, St. Louis, MO 63101
